A new poll paints a concerning picture for Germany’s ruling coalition, revealing a persistent lack of public confidence and a surge in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Conducted by Infratest Dimap for the ARD “Deutschlandtrend” the survey indicates that if a federal election were held this Sunday, the CDU/CSU bloc would garner 27% of the vote, unchanged from early November. However, the AfD currently polls at 25%, a slight decrease from November but still representing a formidable challenge to the established political order. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains stagnant at 14%, while the Greens and the Left party hold steady at 12% and 10%, respectively. The recently formed BSW party shows a marginal improvement, reaching 4%, just ahead of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) at 3%, both below the threshold for parliamentary representation.
The survey highlights a deepening crisis of confidence in the government’s performance, with only 20% of respondents expressing satisfaction, a two-point decline. Discontent is particularly concentrated around Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), who currently enjoys a satisfaction rating of just 23%, with a staggering 74% expressing dissatisfaction. While Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) remains the most popular member of the cabinet, commanding 58% approval, the approval ratings of other key ministers reveal a pattern of widespread disappointment. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) registers 33% satisfaction, while Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) sees a slight uptick to 30%, despite continued majority dissatisfaction. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) faces significant criticism, with only 28% approval and Labor and Social Affairs Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) sees a decline in support to 26%.
The AfD, despite a minor dip in overall polling, demonstrates a complex appeal, with 20% of respondents expressing satisfaction with the performance of their parliamentary group leader, Tino Chrupalla. However, a substantial 55% remain dissatisfied, suggesting a polarized electorate with limited consensus. The situation underscores the broader difficulty faced by established parties in connecting with a population increasingly skeptical of traditional politics. The lack of clarity and low recognition of the Left’s parliamentary group leader, Heidi Reichinnek, combined with the extremely low approval of CDU/CSU parliamentarian Jens Spahn, point towards a political landscape undergoing significant shifts and questioning the stability of the current government’s trajectory. The poll serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Germany’s political establishment and the volatile nature of public sentiment.
